I noted in the column that the signs might have some value in rural areas, but questioned what their function might be, if any, in most of the state. "Village of Scherersville," for instance, seems utterly useless to me, certainly as a directional sign.

Here's Dale's commentary. (And by the way, I do remember the song, "Signs", by Five Man Electrical Band.) Thanks Dale!

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Hi Dan,

Do you remember and old rock-and-roll song that included the lyrics: "Signs, signs, everywhere there's signs / Do this, don't do that, can't you read the signs"?

Seriously, village signs in my opinion are far more helpful in rural counties of Pennsylvania. It is great when you get a match between a "village of" sign and the village name shown on the official state map.

These signs are also helpful to first responders in rural counties who need to respond to emergencies in the dark, in foul weather etc. These are also helpful when a resident is giving to directions for deliveries. The signs are helpful to Emergency Management Agency organizations, etc, and also to utilities making repairs etc.

There are actually some counties that have no cities and the only borough is the county seat. Can you imagine trying to give directions in a county like that? I also have a piece of trivia about Bloomsburg, which is not a city, not a borough, and not a township. It is the only "town" in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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Growing up in Western New York state, "village" meant something different - it's roughly equivalent to Pennsylvania's "borough". Traveling to rural Clearfield County, PA as a kid in the 1960s I was always struck by how often places had "village" signs in PA but their NY State analogs did not have signs.

I hope PennDOT continues to maintain them. Even in these days of GPS-equipped smartphones they're helpful.

And I happen to live in one of those "villages" as well...Cetronia...

Posted By: Richard in PA | Nov 7, 2012 10:26:55 AM

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Morning Call Reporter and Columnist Dan Hartzell is The Road Warrior, defending the drivers of the Lehigh Valley and the roads on which they drive. E-mail questions about transportation in the Lehigh Valley and beyond to hartzell@mcall.com.